It’s an unfortunate fact that many people in the United States just throw away their clothing and household items when they no longer want or need them. According to recent research, 12 million tons of clothing and textiles are thrown away every year. In addition to throwing out these items, the average American is responsible for 4.5 pounds of trash every day. Over the course of a year, this amounts to around 1.5 tons of solid waste that ends up in the country’s various landfills.
Other Americans, however, realize the importance of recycling and donating. In 2011, for example, approximately two million tons of clothing and textiles were either recycled or donated to charitable organizations, such as The Military Order of the Purple Heart. While the recovery rate for these types of items was only about 15.3% during this year, it still makes a difference. Just one way in which it makes a difference is that the average person will purchase ten pounds of previously worn clothing every year.
When clothing donations are made, roughly 80% of these items are used by charitable organizations. While some of this clothing is donated to people in need, other items are sold at charitable stores to assist with funding important community support programs.
Most people in the United States believe in the importance of engaging in some level of charitable giving, Whether it’s donating their time or making clothing donations to organizations such as charities for military families, they do so because they want to make a difference. When these individuals are also active on social media, they tend to post a comment about making a donation or dedicating their time to important causes. As a result, they tend to inspire and otherwise encourage friends, family, and colleagues to do so as well.
If you’re interested in donating clothing or other household items to assist military families in need, all you need to do is contact charities for military families, such as The Military Order of the Purple Heart. They will be able to pick up your items, which makes it a convenient way for you to donate. Furthermore, this is a meaningful way to give back to your community and thank servicemen, service women, and their families for their sacrifices and contributions to this country.